Joo Eng

Tan

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IN LOVING MEMORY

Joo Eng Tan

Jun 29 1946 - Jan 08 2012

Joo Eng Tan was born in Seremban, Malaysia on June 29, 1946. He was the fourth child of Tan Tuan Lay and Kam Kim Thye. He began his life in the sleepy town of Seremban, but his curiosity and idealism took him far from Malaysia. He was an outstanding student and superb athlete. He was taught at the King George V School by two American Peace Corps volunteers who became lifelong friends. They inspired him to further his studies in the United States. He received a scholarship to attend Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. He graduated in June, 1971. He also attended the University of Nottingham, England with his fiancée, Sally Ann Kayser in 1969-1970. He excelled at poker. They were married on September 4, 1971. He earned an M.B. A. in Finance from New York University in 1973. He first worked as an auditor and C.P.A. in New York at Price Waterhouse, then joined Celanese Corporation in 1975 as a staff accountant. Joo remained with Celanese throughout his long and successful career. He was in international finance, a plant controller, a sales manager/director for the Asia Pacific Region, Managing Director for Hoechst China Ltd. in Hong Kong and China and Vice President of Business Support Celanese North America, based in Dallas, Texas. He retired from Celanese in 2000. Joo Eng left a lasting impression on all those who came in contact with him in his many assignments and journeys around the world. Through out his life and in every endeavor Joo brought his superior intellect, his humility, his integrity, his perseverance and his sense of fair play and humor. He had a passion for golf, scuba diving, sailing, skiing and reading biographies. Joo Eng saved his true love for his family. He leaves his wife Sally Kayser Tan, son, Alex Ming Hui Tan, and daughter, Elizabeth Gaik Kian Tan. His eldest grandson is Aidan Brennen Doyle, son of Elizabeth, eight years old. Alex, his son, and his beautiful wife, Candice have given him two grandchildren; Samantha Caitlin Tan, five years old and London Alexander Tan, one and ½ years old. His grandchildren were the joy of his life. He is survived by his beloved elder brother, Dr.Richard Joo Huat Tan and his wife Dominique of Queensland, Australia, his eldest sister, Soon Lee Tan and her husband Victor Lee of Victoria, Australia and his precious sister, Puan Sri, Datin Lee Hong Tanand her husband, Tan Sri, Dato (Dr.) M. Jegathesan of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. His nieces and nephews Rohan, Allirah, Ashe-lee, Shirene, Nick, Mei-lin and Benjamin were dear to his heart. Joo Eng is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and secondcousins of the two extended families of Tans and Kams that were united by the marriageof his father and mother and blessed again by the marriage of his Uncle Tan Tuan Seng and Aunt Kam Kim Koon. He loved every one of them. He is notably preceded in death by his parents, the universally beloved and respected Tan Tuan Lay and Kam Kim Thye who passed away on February 2, 1977. Joo Eng is now at peace. He would want to be remembered for his joy of living. He passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 8, 2012 at his home in Little Elm, Texas.
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Memorials

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